I n the international judging system (IJS), competitors accumulate points based on the degree of difficulty (known as base value) of each technical element and how well each element is executed (grade of execution). Competitors also earn points based on their overall skating ability and performance level through program component scores. The goal is to earn the maximum number of points based on the skater s/team s ability. Points are earned based on what the skaters successfully achieve, which may or may not be the same as what they attempt. The general strategy is to do the most difficult elements for which a skater can expect to earn positive grades of execution (GOEs). ELEMENTS MUST MEET SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT: Spins, pairs lifts and rotational dance lifts have to rotate a minimum number of revolutions. Spiral positions and other dance lifts must be held for a minimum amount of time. Jumps, throw jumps and twist lifts must rotate at least three quarters of the final rotation in the air before landing. WAYS TO EARN POINTS Earn base value (BV) points for executed elements. More difficult elements have higher BVs. Earn positive GOEs for executing elements well. These are added to the element BVs. Earn points for program components based on overall skating skills, choreography and performance. WAYS TO LOSE POINTS Lose BV points by failing to achieve the attempted elements. For example, if a skater attempts a triple jump but doesn t achieve at least 2.75 rotations before landing, the skater will only receive credit for 70 percent of the BV of the jump. This is referred to as under rotated. Earn reductions in GOE by making mistakes in executed elements. These are subtracted from the element base values. Receive deductions for falls, illegal elements and other violations.
If a skater performs more elements, the values of the additional elements will not be calculated into the score. If a skater performs fewer elements, he or she receives fewer points but no deductions. If a skater performs an incorrect element in place of a required element, he or she will not receive any points for the incorrect element. LADIES LADIES PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE 3 jump elements 7 jump elements 3 spins 3 spins 1 step sequence 1 step sequence 1 spiral sequence LADIES SHORT PROGRAM SCORES 1st place 70.06 3rd place 69.35 10th place 51.98 LADIES FREE SKATE SCORES 1st place 130.76 3rd place 118.72 10th place 86.85 LADIES TOTAL COMPETITION SCORES 1st place 200.11 3rd place 184.70 10th place 140.37 MEN S PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE 3 jump elements 8 jump elements 3 spins 3 spins 1 step sequence 2 step sequences MEN S SHORT PROGRAM SCORES 1st place 87.85 3rd place 83.51 10th place 64.45 MEN S FREE SKATE SCORES 1st place 175.81 3rd place 154.94 10th place 121.90 MEN S TOTAL COMPETITION SCORES 1st place 263.66 3rd place 232.09 10th place 186.46 MEN
PAIRS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS SHORT PROGRAM 1 overhead lift 1 twist lift 1 throw jump 1 solo jump 1 death spiral 1 step sequence 1 solo spin combination FREE SKATE 3 overhead lifts & 1 twist lift OR 2 overhead lifts & 2 twist lifts 2 throw jumps 2 solo jump elements 1 death spiral 1 spiral sequence 1 solo spin combination 1 pairs spin combination If a team performs more elements, the values of the additional elements will not be calculated into the score. If a team performs fewer elements, they receive fewer points but no deductions. If a team performs an incorrect element in place of a required element, they will not receive any points for the incorrect element. If the lady and the man perform different elements (for example if the lady performs a double Axel and the man performs a single Axel), the team will receive credit for the base value of the less difficult element (the single Axel). PAIRS SHORT PROGRAM SCORES 1st place 63.01 3rd place 58.76 10th place 49.87 PAIRS FREE SKATE SCORES 1st place 127.29 3rd place 115.02 10th place 93.25 PAIRS TOTAL COMPETITION SCORES 1st place 190.30 3rd place 173.18 10th place 142.53
ICE DANCING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS SHORT DANCE 1 short lift 2nd lift is permitted but will not count toward the TES 1 midline non-touching step sequence 1 set of sequential twizzles 2 sequences of the Golden Waltz 1 dance spin is permitted but will not count toward TES FREE DANCE 2 short lifts & 1 long lift OR 4 short lifts 2 additional lifts are permitted but will not count toward TES 2 step sequences 1 set of synchronized twizzles 1 dance spin or combination spin 1 additional dance spin or combination spin & additional sets of twizzles may be performed but will not count toward TES If a couple performs more elements, the values of the additional elements will not be calculated into the score, and the couple will receive a 1 deduction for each extra element. If a team performs fewer elements, they receive fewer points but no deductions. If a team performs an incorrect element in place of a required element, they will not receive any points for the incorrect element. Because this is the first year for the short dance, there were no scores for comparison at the time of printing.
JUMPS AND THROW JUMPS Jump and throw jump base values are determined by the type of jump or throw jump and the number of rotations. TYPE: Salchow, toe loop, loop, flip, Lutz, Axel ROTATION: Single, double, triple, quadruple SPINS AND SOLO SPINS (PAIRS) Spin base values are determined by the type of spin and the level of difficulty. Spin values can also be increased if the spin begins with a flying entry and/or includes a change of foot. LIFTS: DANCE LIFTS (ICE DANCING) Dance lift base values are determined by the type of lift and level of difficulty. TYPE: Stationary, straight line, curve, rotational, serpentine, reverse rotational, combination LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 TYPE: Upright, sit, camel, layback, combination LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 PAIRS SPINS AND DANCE SPINS Pairs spin and dance spin base values are determined by whether or not the spin changes feet and the level of difficulty. TYPE: Pairs/dance spin (no change of foot) or pairs/dance combination spin (with change of foot) LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 TWIST LIFTS Twist lift base values are determined by the take off, number of rotations and level of difficulty. STEP SEQUENCES, SEQUENTIAL/ SYNCHRONIZED TWIZZLES Step sequence and twizzle base values are determined by the level of difficulty. LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 TAKE OFF: Toe loop, flip, Lutz, Axel ROTATION: Single, double, triple, quadruple LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 LIFTS: OVERHEAD LIFTS (PAIRS) Overhead lift base values are determined by the take off and level of difficulty. TAKE OFF: Hand to hip, hand to hand press, hand to hand lasso LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 DEATH SPIRALS Death spiral base values are determined by the edge and the level of difficulty. EDGE: Forward or backward inside, forward or backward outside LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4
I n singles, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level 1 having the lowest base value and Level 4 having the highest base value. Skaters can achieve higher levels of difficulty through the use of features. A skater must perform two features to earn a Level 2, three features to earn a Level 3 and four features to earn a Level 4. The following list provides a summary of the features from which skaters can choose to try to increase their levels of difficulty. SPIN FEATURES First difficult variation Second difficult variation Backward entrance or difficult flying entrance Change of foot executed by a jump Change of edge in sit or camel spin All three basic positions on both feet (sit, upright, camel) Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) in a camel or sit spin Eight revolutions in one position Biellmann position Change between sideways and backward positions in a layback STEP SEQUENCE FEATURES Variety and difficulty of turns and steps Full rotations (360 degrees) in both directions Use of upper body movements (head, arms, torso) At least half the pattern on one foot only Combination of difficult turns quickly executed in both directions CHOREOGRAPHED STEP SEQUENCES AND SPIRAL SEQUENCES The second step sequence in the senior men s free skate will receive a fixed base value provided it fully utilizes the ice surface. The spiral sequence is awarded a fixed base value provided it meets one of the following criteria: There are at least two sprials held at least three seconds each OR There is one spiral held at least six seconds. For fixed base value elements, points are still added or subtracted from the base value for GOEs.
I n pairs, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level 1 having the lowest base value and Level 4 having the highest base value. Teams can achieve higher levels of difficulty through the use of features. A team must perform two features to earn a Level 2, three features to earn a Level 3 and four features to earn a Level 4. The following list provides a summary of the features from which teams can choose to try to increase their levels of difficulty. TWIST LIFT FEATURES Lady s split position (each leg at least 45 degrees from the body axis) Catching the lady without her touching the man Lady s position in the air with arm(s) above the head Difficult take-off (steps/moves immediately preceeding take off) OVERHEAD LIFT FEATURES Difficult variation of the take-off Change of hold and/or lady s position Difficult variation of the lady s position Difficult carry One-hand hold of the man Difficult landing variety Change of rotational direction by the man STEP SEQUENCE FEATURES Variety and difficulty of turns and steps Full rotations (360 degrees) in both directions Use of upper body movements (head, arms and torso) Changes of position relative to each other Not separating all the time; doing some steps in hold CHOREOGRAPHED SPIRAL SEQUENCES The spiral sequence is awarded a fixed base value provided it meets one of the following criteria: There are at least two sprials by each partner held at least three seconds each OR There is one spiral by each partner held at least six seconds For fixed base value elements, points are still added or subtracted from the base value for GOEs.
DEATH SPIRAL FEATURES Difficult entry and/or exit Change of lady s and/or man s arm hold Change of man s pivot position Additional revolution of the lady after the first revolution PAIRS SPIN FEATURES Two changes of basic positions by both partners Additional changes of basic positions by both partners Three difficult variations Additional difficult variations Backward entrance Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) Six revolutions in one position SOLO SPIN FEATURES First difficult variation Second difficult variation Flying or backward entrance All three basic positions on one foot (upright, sit, camel) Change of edge in sit or camel spin Two changes of foot Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) Six revolutions in one position
I n ice dancing, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level 1 having the lowest base value and Level 4 having the highest base value. Couples can achieve higher levels of difficulty by meeting specific criteria. The following characteristics determine the levels of difficulty for the different elements. DANCE SPIN/ COMBINATION SPIN Number of rotations Number of difficult variations in different basic positions Spinning in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) STATIONARY, STRAIGHT LINE, CURVE AND SERPENTINE LIFTS Difficult pose or significant change of pose by lifted partner Difficult position by lifting partner Creative/difficult entry ROTATIONAL AND REVERSE ROTATIONAL LIFTS Difficult pose or significant change of pose by lifted partner One hand/arm lift Number of rotations Creative/difficult entry TWIZZLES Number of rotations Whether or not there is a change of foot (no change of foot is harder) Additional features that increase the difficulty of performing a twizzle, divided into three groups: Group A Various positions and/or movements of the upper body and/or hands Group B Various positions and/or movements of the skating leg and/or free leg Group C Performing a third twizzle, changing sides, entering from a jump, twizzling in opposite directions and/or following each other STEP SEQUENCES Variety and difficulty of turns Turns in both directions Incorporating a section of turns on one foot Changes of hold
Judges will add points to the base value of each element or subtract points based on the positive and negative aspects of each element performed. When marking the GOE for singles and pairs, the judges must consider the following characteristics for each type of element: Jumps: The height, length and technique; clean starting and landing of the jump; entry (is it difficult, creative or unexpected); position in the air; and the placement of the jump in relation to the music. In pairs, consideration must be given to the jump of each partner according to its merit. Spins: The preparation, entry, rotation and exit; quality of the required positions, strong and well-controlled rotation, number of revolutions in the required positions, and centering of the spin; and in the flying spins, the height of the jump and the position in the air and landing Step and spiral sequences: The swing, carriage and smooth flow of the movement in relation to the character, and the rhythm of the music Lifts/twist lifts: The speed, height, continuous rotation, smoothness of the take-off and landing, good coverage of the ice surface, and position of the lady in the air. Throw jumps: The height, distance, take-off, clean landing of the lady and position of the lady in the air Death spirals: A smooth entry and exit, even descent into the spiral position by the lady, maintenance of the pivot position by the man and position of execution of the actual death spiral In marking the GOE for ice dancing, the following must be considered: Sections of pattern dance: Quality and correctness of edges, depth of edges; accuracy of holds, pattern and timing Dance spins: Quality of entry, move onto one foot, rotation, position/line, exit, changes of foot, changes of position Lifts: Quality of entry, ascent/descent, stability, movement across the ice, position/line, completion/exit Sequential and synchronized twizzles: Quality of entry, rotation, connecting steps, footwork, completion, matching, spacing Step sequences: Quality of edges, flow, speed, stroking, balance of workload between partners, knee action, footwork, turns, matching, spacing (no hold) Skaters can earn points through GOE by doing the above characteristics well. For example, a spin with good speed that is well placed to the music will earn a GOE of +1. Skaters earn reductions in their GOE through errors such as falls, touching down with one or both hands or the free foot, weak landings, poor positions and/or stumbles. The greater the number of errors, or the more severe the errors, the greater the reduction in GOE.
SKATING SKILLS A measure of overall skating ability and quality. Look for speed and flow over the ice surface, and deep edges (demonstrated by the lean of the body). Also, listen for quiet skating without a lot of scratching and look for skating in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). TRANSITIONS/LINKING FOOTWORK & MOVEMENT The varied and/or intricate footwork, positions, movements and holds that link all elements. Look for difficult and/or unique movements between technical elements. In ice dancing, look for variety of holds. PERFORMANCE/EXECUTION The involvement of the skater/couple/team physically, emotionally and intellectually in the performance, and the quality of movement and precision of delivery. Look for posture, style, personality and projection of sincere emotion to the audience. In pairs and ice dancing, look for balance in performance and spatial awareness between team members. CHOREOGRAPHY/ COMPOSITION An intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of all movements. Look for pattern and ice coverage, placement of elements around the rink, and relationship between the choreography and the music. INTERPRETATION The personal and creative translation of the music through movement on the ice. Look for expression of the music s style, character and rhythm. In pairs and ice dancing, look for the relationship between team members.
DETERMINING THE SEGMENT SCORE Technical Elements Score (TES) + Program Components Score (PCS) + Deductions = Base Value +/ GOE Skating Skills Transitions/Linking footwork Performance/Execution Choreography/Composition Interpretation Falls Illegal elements Time violations/interruptions Music violations Costume/Prop violations Total Segment Score (TSS) LADIES, MEN S AND PAIRS DETERMINING THE COMPETITION SCORE Short Program TSS Free Skate TSS + = Competition Score ICE DANCING Short Dance TSS Free Dance TSS + = Competition Score The highest competition score wins the competition. In the case of a tie, the competitor with the highest score in the final segment (free skate or free dance) wins the competition.
JUDGING PANEL EVENT REFEREE In charge of the event/acts as spokesperson Manages the panel of judges Determines deductions for costume, prop and music violations (with the judges), time violations, interruptions of the program and extended lifts (ice dancing only) JUDGES Evaluate and score the quality of each element (GOE) Evaluate and score the skaters achievements in each of the specified program components TECHNICAL PANEL TECHNICAL CONTROLLER Acts as chair and spokesperson of the technical panel Supervises calls of the technical specialists and input of the correct elements by the data operator Makes sure performed elements meet the program requirements Acts as a voting member on the technical panel in cases in which the two technical specialists disagree on a call TECHNICAL SPECIALIST Identifies and calls the performed elements Rewards skaters for any features they use to increase the level and value of their elements Identifies falls and illegal elements ASSISTANT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST Assists the technical specialist in the identification of all elements, falls and illegal elements Takes notes on the calls DATA OPERATOR Inputs the called elements into the computer Operates the video replay during the review process VIDEO REPLAY OPERATOR Captures video clips of all elements in a program for use by the judges and technical panel to review elements at the end of the program
BASE VALUE A value assigned to each element depending on the degree of difficulty BASIC SPIN POSITIONS There are three basic positions: Camel Free leg backward with the knee higher than the hip level Sit Upper part of the skating leg at least parallel to the ice Upright Any position with skating leg extended or almost extended that is not a camel position; includes layback, Biellmann and similar variations All other positions are considered intermediate positions. DIFFICULT VARIATION OF POSITION A movement of a body part, leg, arm, hand or head that requires more physical strength or flexibility and has an affect on the balance of the main body core DOWNGRADE A jump, throw jump or twist lift that does not achieve at least one half of the final rotation in the air only receives credit for the base value of the same element with the next lower rotation. For example, an attempted triple Lutz that does not rotate at least 2.5 times before landing will only receive credit as a double Lutz UNDER ROTATED A jump or throw jump that does not achieve at least three quarters of the final rotation in the air only receives credit for 70 percent of the base value of the element THERE ARE TWO BASIC EDGES: 1) Inside, which is achieved when the skater is leaning toward the inside of the foot 2) Outside, which is achieved when the skater is leaning toward the outside of the foot EDGE The side of the blade on which a skater balances, causing the skate to travel on a curve as opposed to a straight line FEATURES Additions that make elements more difficult and increase the base value GRADE OF EXECUTION (GOE) A measure of how well each element is performed. GOE can add or subtract points from the base value of an element LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY A measure of the complexity of an element. Skaters can achieve higher levels of difficulty through the use of features. In singles, pairs and ice dancing, levels range from 1 to 4, with Level 1 having the lowest base value and Level 4 having the highest base value. SCALE OF VALUES The document created by the ISU that lists the base values and GOE values for each element SEGMENT Refers to either the short program or the free skate in ladies, men s and pairs. In ice dancing, it refers to the short dance or the free dance